Why Do We Need Modernization Tools?
AS400 systems have existed for decades now and are known for being reliable and scalable. However, modernizing these legacy systems is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity.
AS400 modernization tools provide organizations with an efficient way to revitalize their legacy systems, allowing them to leverage new technologies, improve system performance, and remain aligned with ever-evolving business needs.
They enable organizations to harness advanced analytics, APIs, and mobile capabilities, gradually turning legacy AS400 systems into agile, cloud-enabled platforms for the future.
The tools for modernizing legacy applications go beyond simply upgrading technology — they are critical to cutting operational costs, enhancing user experiences, and keeping pace with emerging market trends and competition to thrive in today’s markets.
Modernization tools are helpful in creating a bridge between legacy systems and the modern IT ecosystems thus allowing the organization to adapt to new trends without losing the core strengths of their existing systems.
Top 10 AS400 Modernization Tools
These tools make the process of modernization very efficient by automating tasks like code transformation, UI enhancement, and cloud integration. Here are some of the notable AS400 modernization tools:
a) Seagull Software (BlueZone) – Terminal Emulation & Web Enablement
Seagull Software, which is now part of BlueZone, are pioneers in terminal emulation and web enablement for IBM i systems. It provides a bridge between traditional green-screen applications and contemporary web-based interfaces, all the while presenting AS400 systems in a format that is easier for users to navigate.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Green-Screen Modernization: Transforms legacy text-based screens into intuitive, browser-accessible GUIs with no changes to the backend logic.
- Secure Access: When it comes to security, encryption protocols in Seagull, like the SSL /TLS, provide secure remote access to AS400 applications.
- Ease of Deployment: Its lightweight architecture and centralized administration make installation and management simpler.
With Seagull Software, businesses can improve user productivity and enhance the overall experience while retaining the system’s reliability.
b) Rational Developer for i (RDi) – IDE for IBM i Development
Rational Developer for i (RDi) is an advanced development tool that brings modern coding practices to the IBM i platform. Its graphical, eclipse-based interface is designed specifically for RPG/COBOL and CL development which simplify the process of building applications for developers.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Modern IDE: Includes syntax highlighting, intelligent code completion and debugging tools for ease of development.
- Integrated Analysis: Offers code impact analysis tools to help ensure efficient updates and minimize errors when updating systems.
- Team Collaboration: Many developers can work on the same project simultaneously, enhancing team productivity.
RDi improves development cycles, allowing companies to maintain and upgrade their IBM i systems more efficiently.
c) Zend Server – PHP Integration
Zend Server is a powerful platform to integrate PHP applications with IBM i systems. As more businesses move their applications onto the web, Zend Server serves as the bridge to integrate modern PHP applications with AS400 system on the backend.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Rapid Development: Zend Server has the facility for developers to quickly build and deploy PHP applications that can communicate with IBM i databases.
- Performance Optimization: Provides tools for caching, debugging, and monitoring applications to keep their performance at their finest.
- Scalability: Zend server also supports enterprise-grade workloads, making it suitable for businesses of any size.
By integrating PHP with AS400, Zend Server helps organizations to take advantage of the power of web-based solutions while retaining the existing IBM i resources.
d) Modern Systems – Application and Data Modernization
Modern Systems specializes in comprehensive modernization solutions for AS400 environments. It offers tools to convert monolithic applications into modular, cloud-ready systems, ensuring scalability and agility.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Code Refactoring: Automatically converts legacy RPG and COBOL code to current programming languages such as Java or C#.
- Data Transformation: Migrates AS400 data to modern day databases like SQL Server, PostgreSQL for analytics and accessibility.
- Cloud Enablement: Prepares applications for deployment on public or private cloud platforms.
By adopting Modern Systems, companies are ensured not only a seamless modernization process, but a way to future-proof their IT infrastructure without crippling operations in the process.
e) HelpSystems Automate – Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
HelpSystems Automate is the RPA (robotic process automation) solution designed for IBM i systems so that organizations can automate repetitive tasks and make workflows more efficient.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Drag-and-Drop Interface: Enables non-technical users to build workflows and automate processes quickly and easily.
- Error Reduction: It automates data entry, reports and other repetitive tasks thus reducing manual errors.
- Integration Capabilities: Allows integration with other enterprise applications for a seamless workflow automation.
HelpSystems Automate enables businesses to streamline processes, reduce operational costs, and utilize resources for more strategic initiatives.
f) X-Analysis – Code Analysis and Documentation
X-Analysis is an all-encompassing tool designed for understanding, documenting and modernizing legacy AS400 applications. This gives deep insights into complex codebases and makes modernization projects easier to approach.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Code Visualization: Provides unified flowcharts and dependency diagrams to help developers navigate complex legacy applications.
- Impact Analysis: X-Analysis helps to determine which portions of the application might break if a particular part of the logic is modified thereby minimizing the risk of failure during updates.
- Automated Documentation: Generates detailed and rich documentation for legacy apps, simplifying maintenance and onboarding.
For organizations seeking to modernize AS400 applications without compromising code integrity, X-Analysis becomes is a must.
g) TurnKey Solutions – Application and Data Migration
TurnKey Solutions offers a very optimal approach for migrating applications and data from IBM i. It streamlines the migration process, minimizes downtime, and ensures data integrity during the transition.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Automated Migration: Moves applications and data from AS400 to current platforms with minimal human intervention.
- Scalability: Prepares systems for cloud-based or hybrid deployments.
- Cost-Effective: Automates repetitive labor-intensive processes which reduce the cost of the overall migration process.
TurnKey Solutions ensures a smooth transition, enabling businesses to adopt modern IT infrastructures without losing critical functionality.
h) Profound Logic – Web and Mobile Application Development
Profound Logic is a world-leader in modernizing IBM i applications for the web and mobile. It provides the tools to make green-screen applications responsive and user friendly.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Support for Node.js: Very useful in building modern, scalable applications that integrate easily with IBM i systems.
- Drag-and-Drop Design: Simplifies the process of building intuitive web and mobile interfaces.
- Customizable Solutions: Provides multiple customization options for apps according to the requirements.
Profound Logic enables businesses to meet the demand of users for a modern interface while maintaining the underlying functionality of their AS400 systems.
i) Torry Harris Integration Solutions – Application Integration & API Management
Torry Harris Integration Solutions (THIS) specializes in IBM i application integration and API management. It streamlines the integration of AS400 systems with third-party apps and cloud services.
Key Features and Benefits:
- API Enablement: It exposes IBM i functionalities as APIs and integrate with modern applications with ease.
- Data Consistency: Allows systems to exchange correct data with one another to ensure they operate consistently.
- Enterprise-Grade Security: Secures AS400 systems with enterprise-grade security protocols to protect sensitive data.
THIS helps organizations to achieve interoperability — adding value to their AS400 systems in a connected world.
j) BMC Software – Control-M – Job Scheduling & Workflow Automation
Control-M by BMC Software offers job scheduling and workflow automation in AS400 environments. It streamlines the management of intricate workflows within hybrid IT ecosystems.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Centralized Management: Offers a single platform to schedule and monitor workflows.
- Real-Time Insights: Offers predictive analytics to identify potential bottlenecks and optimize performance.
- Scalability: Has the ability to handle large workloads which makes it a best fit for enterprises with high-volume operations.
Control-M improves operational efficiency so that businesses can operate confidently without being disrupted by extreme workload.
Conclusion
The role of AS400 modernization tools in bridging the gap between legacy systems and modern business needs is a pivotal one. Implementing these tools will ensure improved operational efficiency, enhanced scalability, and IT environments that are future-proof.
For companies to get the most out of modernization, it needs to be strategically aligned with long-term goals and relying on the expertise of trusted partners.
So with proper tools and strategic planning, organizations can unlock the full potential of their AS400 systems for sustained success.
